Georgia salon inspection checklist

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1. Licenses on display

   The first thing an inspector looks for: the salon's license and every working license, current and where clients can see them.

   • 1.Post the salon's license, or a current copy of its online verification, within fifteen feet of the entrance in an open area.

     The rule's own words

     “Each facility shall post the license issued to them by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers, or a current copy of the online verification of licensure within fifteen feet of the facility entrance at all times in an open area of the facility”

   • 2.Each employee must post their own current license, or a current copy of its online verification, in an open and public area.

     The rule's own words

     “The facility owner(s) shall ensure that each employee posts, in an open and public area, the current license/permit issued to them by the Georgia State Board of Cosmetology and Barbers or a current copy of the online verification of licensure.”

2. Other required postings

   Some states also want their rules, a consumer notice or the last inspection report on the wall.

   • 3.Post a copy of the most recent inspection report in an open, public area at all times.

     The rule's own words

     “Facilities shall have posted in an open and public area at all times a copy of the most recent inspection report”

   • 4.Post the Board's health, safety and sanitation rules where customers can easily read them; an electronic copy is acceptable.

     The rule's own words

     “Health, safety and sanitation rules and regulations governing facilities in the State of Georgia shall be posted in an open and public area in the facility so as to be easily read by customers. An electronic copy of the rules is acceptable.”

3. The disinfectant

   What the disinfectant must be, how it is mixed and how often it is changed.

   • 5.Soak tools for 10 minutes in an EPA-registered disinfectant, in a container large enough to fully cover them.

     The rule's own words

     “Disinfectant containers must be large enough for complete immersion of implements (enough solution to cover all surfaces of the item) for 10 minutes in a disinfectant that indicates on its label that it has been registered with the EPA as a disinfectant.”

   • 6.Keep the disinfecting solution free of debris and contaminants, and change it daily.

     The rule's own words

     “The disinfecting solution must be free of debris and contaminants at all times and must be changed daily.”

4. Cleaning tools between clients

   How combs, shears, nippers and other reusable tools are cleaned and disinfected after each client.

   • 7.After each use on a client, clean multi-use tools and implements, then disinfect them.

     The rule's own words

     “Following each use, all multi-use tools, implements, or equipment that are used on clients must be cleansed and disinfected as follows”

5. Storing clean and used tools

   Clean tools kept covered and apart from used ones, so nothing dirty touches the next client.

   • 8.Store disinfected tools in a clean, closed, airtight drawer or container labeled "Clean Implements.".

     The rule's own words

     “All disinfected tools and implements (including clippers, scissors, brushes, combs, etc.) shall be stored in a sanitary manner in a clean, closed, airtight drawer or container labeled "Clean Implements"”

   • 9.Keep soiled tools in a separate, closed, covered container labeled "Dirty Implements.".

     The rule's own words

     “Soiled and dirty tools and implements must be stored in a separate, closed and covered container labeled "Dirty Implements."”

6. Single-use items

   What must be thrown away after one client because it cannot be disinfected.

   • 10.Throw away single-use items after one use; they cannot be disinfected or reused.

     The rule's own words

     “Single use items cannot be disinfected and should not be reused. Single use items shall be discarded after being used one time.”

7. Towels, capes and linens

   Clean towels stored closed, used ones in a covered container until laundered.

   • 11.Keep clean towels in a closed cabinet, container, or closet, except linens set aside for client use.

     The rule's own words

     “Clean towels must be kept in a closed cabinet, container, or closet except linens which are designated for use on clients.”

   • 12.Put towels and linens in a closed container after they are used once, until they are laundered.

     The rule's own words

     “Towels and linens, after being used once, must be placed in a closed container until properly laundered”

8. Water, sinks and restroom

   Hot and cold running water, sinks and a restroom with a place to wash hands.

   • 13.Have at least one toilet and one sink or shampoo bowl with running hot and cold water.

     The rule's own words

     “To be adequate, such facilities shall have at least one toilet and one sink or shampoo bowl with running hot and cold water.”

   • 14.Clean and disinfect sinks and shampoo bowls with an EPA-registered disinfectant, keeping them free of hair and debris.

     The rule's own words

     “Sinks and shampoo bowls must be thoroughly cleansed and disinfected with a disinfectant that indicates on its label that it has been registered with the EPA as a disinfectant, and free of any hair or other debris.”

9. Pedicure equipment

   How foot spas and pedicure basins are cleaned after each client and at the end of the day, and the log some states require.

   • 15.After each client, clean pedicure units to remove visible debris, then disinfect them for fifteen (15) minutes with an EPA-registered disinfectant.Pedicures

     The rule's own words

     “After each client, all pedicure units must be cleaned with a chelating soap or detergent with water to remove all visible debris, then disinfected for at least fifteen (15) minutes with a disinfectant that indicates on its label that it has been registered with the EPA as a disinfectant.”

   • 16.Keep a log, with dates and times, of all pedicure equipment cleaning and disinfection, kept in the pedicure area for inspectors to review.Pedicures

     The rule's own words

     “A record or log book containing the dates and times of all pedicure equipment cleaning and disinfection procedures must be documented and kept in the pedicure area by the salon or shop and made available for review upon request by a consumer and/or an inspector from the Board.”

10. Banned products and tools

    Products, tools and practices the state's rules forbid outright.

    • 17.Do not use razor-type callus shavers or credo blades on clients.

      The rule's own words

      “licensees shall not use any razor-type callus shavers designed and intended to cut growths of skin such as corns or calluses, e.g., credo blades.”

    • 18.No pets are allowed in the salon, except guide and assistance dogs for qualifying clients.

      The rule's own words

      “Pets shall not be allowed in facilities, with the exception of guide and assistance dogs for qualifying clients as permitted by Title 30 of the Georgia Code.”

11. The premises

    Floors, walls, light, air, waste bins and keeping living space and food out of the work area.

    • 19.Remove all waste daily; keep garbage in a covered, washable container and never leave it in the salon overnight.

      The rule's own words

      “All waste material must be removed daily. Garbage shall be stored in a covered, washable container and shall not be left in the establishment overnight.”

12. First aid and safety

    A first aid kit, what to do after a cut or blood exposure, and other safety rules.

    • 20.Practitioners must wear appropriate protective clothing and/or footwear at all times during clinical services.

      The rule's own words

      “Practitioners of the cosmetology and barbering profession in Georgia shall wear appropriate protective clothing and/or footwear at all times during the provision of clinical services to prevent occupational exposure to potential infectious materials.”